Meet the Brecksville Mayor Candidates

Two candidates are running for election as mayor of Brecksville. Following are questions posed to them by the Brecksville Magazine and the candidates’ responses. Responses were limited to 250 words.

1. Why should you be elected to this position?

Hruby: I believe that I possess the knowledge, experience, dedication, integrity and leadership that will be so very important in this next term. In the years I have been I also believe I have established a record of making the difficult decisions and getting things done.

Petsche: After 32 years of the same mayor, we need a fresh perspective.  I bring years of construction business management and knowledge of the law. I am passionate about including the best ideas from around the world and from and around Brecksville. I will work for all the citizens of Brecksville.

2. What will your top priority be upon taking office?

Hruby: Valor Acres, the Blossom Hill School, the aquatics additions to the community center are the major projects. Continued fiscal responsibility and economic development are paramount priorities.

Petsche: I want to take a look at our financials. We have money for things that I question (Four Seasons subsidy) but lack money for things I hear are important to a great majority of voters (sidewalks and bike lanes). Secondly, after we add the debt and debt service of the field house and aquatic center the city will be $48 million in debt. We need to address our debt.

3. Over the past year, some residents have characterized the city government as lacking in transparency. What is the best way to build public trust?

Hruby: Trust is built by communications, respectful dialogue and a willingness to listen and respect our differences. Residents and their elected officials need to seek out each other in the process of governance to have that dialogue.

Petsche: The best way to build public trust is to video and post city council meetings. Second, I recommend hiring a communications director to convey the city’s news and decision-making.

4. With the former VA hospital being redeveloped as a mixed-use property called Valor Acres, economic development remains a widely discussed topic in the city. How do you envision economic development in the city progressing over the next four years?

Hruby: In negotiating the VA acquisition with the Veterans Administration
it was absolutely necessary the city take ownership of the
property without cost or liability for the future redevelopment of the site. The citizens rezoned the land to provide a mixed-use development. We have an excellent legal team and developer to bring about jobs, tax revenues, services and create the most important economic development opportunities in our history.

Petsche: The VA development will be the largest project ever in Brecksville. A citizen’s committee must continue to be engaged during the entire process, and every effort must be made to keep all Brecksville citizens informed. I will work to make the VA development a successful income tax generator and a beautiful, pleasing environment that includes green spaces and green transportation options. I will work to enhance our public spaces with public art, bike racks and benches. I want to see more crosswalks, key sidewalk connectors built, and bike lanes added to create a more walkable, bike-friendly Brecksville.